The Biovision Foundation contributes to public opinion on its core topics through the preparation of background information, liaising with scientists and environmental advisers in Africa, generating image material and regular work with the media.
Media Contact:
David Fritz, d.fritz biovision.ch, Phone: +41 79 312 84 13
Alexandra Pellanda, a.pellanda biovision.ch, Phone: +41 44 341 97 18
- Stockholm Convention fails to set deadline for worldwide ban on DDT
Geneva, 3 May 2013 – The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) could not agree on a date for a worldwide ban on DDT. The persistent poison has been banned in industrialised countries since the 1970s, but is still being used to fight malaria in the developing world. Media Release (PDF)
- WE CAN WORK WITH THE RIO+20 OUTCOME - Interview with Hans R. Herren.
Q: The final declaration of the Rio+20 conference has drawn a lot of criticism from the media and from NGOs around the world. It is widely seen as a toothless document that does not really address the world’s problems and allows big business to continue to exploit the planet. Biovision’s media releases from Rio have been much more positive – how come?
A: Of course it would have been better if the declaration had been more specific with regard to setting goals now, time frames in which they should be achieved and appointing international bodies to oversee and, if necessary, enforce these processes. But the decision to establish an inclusive and transparent intergovernmental process on sustainable development goals by the end of 2013 goes some way in that direction and will help to move us beyond the Millennium Development Goals and guide the Green Economy into a true three dimensional approach involving the environment, society and the economy. This also has relevance for agriculture.
But it is also true that with regard to the overexploitation of marine and forest ecosystems the declaration reflects an irresponsible and ignorant attitude. However, in the current world economic climate that was never going to happen. No one was prepared to bear more costs or agree to measures that might restrict growth.
Interview with Hans Rudolf Herren, Media Release 28 June 2012
- RIO+20 DECLARATION A MILESTONE FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE. The declaration on a global sustainable development adopted today by Heads of State and governments sees sustainable agriculture and food chains as a key element for the fight against hunger in our world and for keeping our planet habitable for future generations. For Biovision foundation, this is an important milestone for its commitment to ecological agriculture and support for smallholder farming structures. Biovision Media Release, 22 June 2012.
- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s vision: Zero Hunger Challenge, Rio de Janeiro, 22 June 2012: "Food and nutrition are among my top priorities. In a world of plenty, no-one -- not a single person -- should go hungry. When I was a child in war-time Korea, many families faced starvation and shortages. Many countries, including my own, took bold steps to end hunger. But almost one billion people still do not have enough to eat. I want to see an end to hunger everywhere, within my lifetime. I invite all of you to join me in working for a future without hunger." Video Ban Ki-moon... / Text PDF
